The group of travellers, Elders and others pose for a picture in front of the North Saskatchewan River. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Historical Reflection

Youth Canoe Brigade makes first stop on historical river trip in P.A.

Jul 12, 2021 | 5:43 PM

Approximately 30 people in 15 canoes arrived at the boat launch along River Street today, making it the first stop along the Sturgeon Lake First Nation’s Youth Canoe Brigade down the North Saskatchewan River.

Until Wednesday, the group will be travelling down the river learning about how life used to be hundreds of years ago for their people, as well as historical aspects of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

The group of youth and adults began their journey from the Shell River bridge and made their way to Prince Albert this morning. Chief Greg Ermine, councillors, Elders and other community members were among those who are on the trip. A ceremony was held near the boat launch as they took a break to talk about the importance of the trip, hearing from Elders and other speakers as well as a performance from the Sturgeon Lake dance crew.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Greg Ermine speaks to those in attendance in front of the river. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

In a previous article, Ermine said members of Sturgeon Lake used to canoe down stream for hunting purposes hundreds of years ago. The hunters would be gone for long periods of time. They wanted to show the youth what it was like for their people long ago.

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Youth coordinators at the Sturgeon Lake First Nation Wylen Naytowhow and Naomi Daniels explained they oversee leading the youth down the river. So far, Naytowhow said the trip has been adventurous.

“The experience is overwhelming,” he said. “The way down here is pretty nice to see and seeing the youth come out and handle it the way they did is pretty good.”

Naytowhow added they learned about some of the trading posts along the way that their ancestors would travel between.

Members of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation dance crew performs for the many in attendance during the ceremony. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

He explained he’s looking forward to continuing to see more of the river as he’s never seen the river more east of Prince Albert, nor has the youth.

Daniels said it’s important for everyone to experience this trip to learn about the First Nation’s history.

“So we can carry the stories on in the future and the youth we have now, I hope we can bring double or triple next year, so that we can show them we had a good experience and that it’s worthwhile.”

Next stop they will head down stream to Cecil Ferry, Weldon Ferry and will reach their final destination at Budd’s Mission.

Along the way they will learn about historical aspects such as the Twatt family, spring brigades and settlements until the final day when they have a feast and ceremony at Budd’s Mission.

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Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12